Off Course by Doug Farren

Author:Doug Farren [Farren, Doug]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Doug Farren
Published: 2011-12-16T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

“I’m convinced the humans are not Akuta,” Vevicty vehemently declared raising his voice.

“Why?” Commander Toonpin asked. “Because they have given us access to advanced technology that will take us months if not years to understand?” Waving his arm toward the ceiling he continued, “One of their ships is heading this way! For all we know, that ship is an advanced scout for a larger invasion force.”

Toonpin's hairs were standing on end causing Vevicty to crouch in anticipation of a physical attack. “Enough!” Councilman Goeglict shouted. “You will both conduct yourselves as professional members of this council or you will be asked to leave. Am I clear?”

Toonpin forced himself to calm down, bowing his head and saying, “I apologize for the outburst.”

“As do I,” Vevicty said. Turning to Toonpin, Vevicty went on in a much calmer voice, “I’ve spoken to the human engineer named Scott for several hours. I’ve seen their technology. Scott has been completely open and honest with me, answering all of my questions without hesitation. Would the Akuta do this?”

“It’s entirely possible,” Thumis, the historian, replied, “that the technology we’ve been given, as advanced as it seems, is nowhere near what is available to the Akuta. If they are Akuta, this could be an elaborate ploy to gain our confidence until their invasion force arrives. I advise caution.”

Vevicty's anger almost burst through his control. Closing his eyes and willing himself to remain calm he said, “Please consider your response very carefully. The technology freely given to us by the humans will enable us to save our entire race from certain annihilation. If they are not Akuta and we do anything to cause them to distrust us or, worse yet, preemptively attack them, we will be condemning most of our population to a horrible and certain death.”

“I understand all of your positions,” Goeglict said. “This is a very delicate situation and one we must absolutely deal with in a proper manner. I must admit that after talking to the humans, I too am inclined to believe they are not Akuta. But, as a councilman charged with the well-being of our planet, I cannot let my personal feelings sway my judgment.”

Goeglict looked at each of the others as he said, “We will continue to act as if we believe the humans. I will also order all ships and surface weapons to target both the human shuttle and the approaching mothership as soon as it is in range. We will use manual targeting so as not to alert them. But, and I cannot stress this strongly enough, no action is to be taken unless the humans initiate hostilities first. Is this agreeable to everyone?”

“I agree,” Toonpin said with a smile.

“I also agree, although reluctantly,” Vevicty replied.

“I believe you have taken the correct approach,” Thumis said, then added, “It’s wise to be cautious, but we must also consider the fact that if the humans are being honest they’ve given us the chance to save our entire population.”

“Then we are agreed,” Goeglict announced.

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